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Lewis Hamilton has cautioned McLaren’s drivers in the title fight, Piastri and Norris, about Verstappen’s “uncompromising” nature as the three racers head into the concluding rounds of the championship.

The Australian driver currently leads the title race by 14 points from his teammate Norris, while Verstappen sits 40 points adrift from the top following a run of three victories and one second in recent events.

The Mercedes veteran, who fought a fierce and dramatic duel for the crown with his rival Verstappen in the 2021 season, stated: “Under those circumstances it’s difficult, the tension mounts. At this point it’s essential to block out distractions and ignore all from the outside.

“One must be ruthless and that is what Max behaves, he will snatch this from the McLaren duo if they don’t do the same.

“One must push hard to hold off a driver like Verstappen and the car he is in. But also for Piastri or Norris to secure the title, consistency is key, and this has been evident in Max’s performances lately.”

The seven-time champion noted that Verstappen faced the simplest task as the driver chasing the leaders. He found himself 104 points adrift behind Piastri after the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.

“We see three incredibly talented drivers and I’m unsure how they will perform,” he stated.

“Verstappen has claimed the title on four occasions so he understands the experience and being the hunter is much easier than being the defender.

“As the frontrunner and someone is chopping away, that affects you mentally instead of when you are behind and expectations are low. In the lead all is on the line.”

Russell, victorious in Singapore in the previous rounds, said: “Piastri and Norris are in the leading car so the title is in their hands. Yet, Max’s team are performing an amazing job so they cannot be ruled out.

“There were indications of great pace initially but their form varied, however, lately week in, week out they are dominating.”

Equal Opportunity at the McLaren Team

The teammates approach the final five races able to compete openly between themselves and absent of internal mandates in place – other than steering clear of incidents between them.

Norris had been facing potential penalties following a clash with Piastri when securing third place from his teammate at the first sequence of corners in Singapore.

Post-collision involving both drivers during the sprint race start at Austin recently, restrictions are now gone.

“I acknowledge my role for my actions in the sprint and we are starting the upcoming race with a fresh start for both of us, simply heading out and going racing,” commented the Australian.

Piastri, the winner of Zandvoort, has witnessed his advantage shrink after being beaten by his teammate in the last four events, but he said it surprised him Max had come into the equation so quickly.

“The run of form Verstappen has shown since Monza has surprised many,” Piastri remarked.

“There were moments in the early stages but there were likewise significant drops. We know they have been throwing many updates at their car aiming to enhance performance but Max has joined to the fight quicker than I expected.”

Yet, upon being questioned if he had concerns over Verstappen’s form, Piastri responded: “This isn’t a focus for me. Max has been consistent and strong lately but it offers no advantage in focusing on or dwelling on it.

“What will assist securing the title is get the most from my driving, the McLaren, the team. He's there, he's in the fight but in the end it has no effect on the way I handle my racing.”

Lando continued: “Max displayed very good form over the past weeks. They have been performing a higher level than McLaren.

“Max has taken victory several events and he’s a top driver. You'd be silly not to acknowledge Verstappen’s potential.

“At the minute, Red Bull is performing stronger, a lot of races they have been quicker. Yet, we can still succeed. McLaren possesses the quicker machine in the final rounds and we need to utilize this advantage.”

Max commented: “It's clear we’ve been on a strong streak, really appreciating it a lot more like that and we intend to continue this streak onward. It’s clear perfection is required through the final races to stand a chance, but we just try to optimize every aspect and find our position.”

Pit Lane Incident ‘Entertaining’

The Red Bull team were fined €50,000 following the American GP, after a team personnel remained on the grid after it was supposed to be cleared because he was trying to take off the markings McLaren had put along the pit lane to assist Lando park his car accurately.

Norris said he found the situation “very amusing, especially because I hadn’t utilized the tape, making it even funnier”.

Norris continued: “It was there for assistance. It wasn’t necessary during the US GP. We already knew that Red Bull was attempting this. {They tried to take tape off